6 Reliable Job Search Strategies For 2014

Last year was not a bad one for the hospitality industry. As the economy continued its slow but steady recovery, frugal practices—including “staycations” and home-cooked meals—lost some of their luster. More Americans resumed dining and traveling, increasing the demand for hospitality professionals at hotels and restaurants. In fact, according to the most recent numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry added 390,000 jobs in 2013—and analysts expect 2014 to be even better. Whether you’re fresh out of school or have decades of experience, consider these reliable strategies to help you get a hotel or restaurant job.

1. Go to the source.

Hospitality employers receive dozens of applications for every available position—from dishwasher to night auditor to general manager. One of the best ways to ensure your application stands out is to get it in first. This means taking a highly proactive approach—not cruising by the hotel or restaurant’s jobs page once a month or waiting to see a hiring sign in the window. Contact the company’s human resource department or find a way to connect with the general manager directly. Then enquire about jobs not yet advertised.

2. Build a network.

Joining local hospitality associations is one way to meet a variety of professionals in the industry who live and work in your area. However, if you dream of employment at one particular hotel or restaurant, you should make a special effort to network with those who work there. Forge friendships and you’re likely to hear about new jobs before the establishment advertises them to the general public. You might even score an internal referral, further increasing your chance of landing the position.3. Target your resume.

Depending on the size of the hotel or restaurant, an individual or computer may scan your resume before giving it to HR or the hiring manager. Sprinkle appropriate keywords throughout the document to ensure it ends up near the top of the pile designated for additional attention. Appropriate keywords include a job title that matches that used in the employer’s advertisement as well as words culled from the list of skills and experience required.

4. Search industry-specific job boards.

While “Help Wanted” signs have become rare in other industries, you may still find them in hospitality—but don’t count on it. In addition to contacting HR or the hiring manager at the establishments that interest you, search for positions on a reputable hospitality job board. Hotel and restaurant employers pay to post on job boards such as Hcareers. This means you’re going to find in-demand jobs at the best employers across the nation—not old advertisements and scams.

5. Treat hiring managers like customers.

In hospitality, the customer always comes first. If you’re serious about landing a hotel or restaurant job, you need to practice top-notch people skills at all times. In particular, demonstrate courtesy, friendliness, and an upbeat attitude whenever you’re communicating with a hiring manager or HR—whether by email, phone, or in person. Don’t let your ego or a bad day steal your opportunity to shine.

6. Refuse to accept failure as an option.

The hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the American workforce. Not only is demand for services increasing the need for hotel and restaurant employees, but older workers are also retiring. There are jobs out there so don’t give up.